Sandy Seisiuns kick off - Irish musicians aid Breezy Point and the Rockaways

On December 1 and 21, a live music and hurricane relief benefit will take place at Connolly’s Klub 45 in New York City.

The two-night event, known as the “Sandy Seisiún,” features Irish musicians who seek to raise funds for affected communities, specifically Breezy Point and The Rockaways.

Master of Ceremonies Sean Ruane believes that “we can help people in need. These guys want to see this thing through and see the people in those communities get back on their feet. Oftentimes, when a tragedy like Hurricane Sandy occurs, people forget about the victims over time. We’re not going to let that happen.”

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center – a not-for-profit organization – has established an account, The Sandy Seisiún Relief Fund, which can lend assistance to the affected communities.

“There is a large Irish-American population in these neighborhoods,” says Ruane. “A lot of the bands just want to give back to the people who have given so much to them.”

The first-leg of the event commences at 5 p.m. and features several bands, including: Broken Banjo Strings, Celtic Cross, D.J. Joe C, Jameson’s Revenge, The Lost Tribe of Donegal, and The Mickey Finns.

The second-leg begins at 9 p.m. and showcases an entirely different lineup, namely: A Band of Rogues, Boston’s Erin Óg, The Canny Brothers Band, D.J. Ant G, The Narrowbacks, Shilelagh Law and members of the Port Authority Police Pipes and Drums Band.

“Music is a tool that evokes every emotion ranging from anger to sadness to joy, love and happiness and no one knows this better than the Irish,” says Jameson’s Revenge on the Facebook page. “We, as Irish musicians have been supported over the years by these communities and this is the best way we know how to help them and show them our support.”

Connolly’s Klub 45 is located at 121 West 45th Street. There is a $20 suggested donation. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/thesandyseisiun.

Throughout December, additional benefits will take place in Indiana, Massachusetts and Tennessee. A recent poster proclaimed: 34 bands, five shows one cause.